Is there any update on Verizon being able to provide MSG un HD?

When does Verizon expect to get MSG HD. This is ridiculous that MSG is permitted to do this.

If this MSG HD issue never gets resolved within the next year, I will be sticking with Time Warner Cable as I am now and my programming needs, because Time Warner will be offering Mobile Phone service along with Comcast, Cablevision areas in NY and NJ next year. First it will start as Wireless Data, which has already started , followed by voice. Time Warner has my programming needs and MSG HD on FIOS aint going to solve anything, if they are missing other viewing of mine that I see on Time Warner Cable. They also have the features I want and enjoy that Verizon doesnt have. Mobile Phones are being tested now and will be ready next year, New York will be 2010. The Infrastructure is already in place to start the Mobile Phones trials of Cablevision, Time Warner Cable, Comcast, and Bright House Networks. COX Communications will have their own Wireless phone services. DIRECTV will bundle with AT&T Wireless, as AT&T UVERSE with Wireless and Verizon FIOS with Verizon Wireless. DIRECTV also with Verizon Wireless. So I am pretty much set with TWC without Mobile phone , which will change in the next year. Verizon only has ONE BILL, Wireless for me, they have to work on my programming needs and other things Time Warner already has never mind MSG HD.

Don and others who have asked about MSG HD,

I don’t have anything more to report about MSG HD at this time. Whenever I do have an update, I will blog about it here. In the meantime, I hope you’re enjoying some of the other 100-plus HD channels we offer in all FiOS TV markets.

Eric

I aggre with you. Cablevision is the worst company on earth. But they are going down.

Yes Eric Rabe We need an update to decide whether or not were going to be FIOS Customers or Not. I am sorry but alot of us feel that way. For me If Time Warner, Comcast, Cablevision had Mobile phone services, then I wouldnt even be looking at FIOS. Actually I am in TW Market, Staten Island But I am talking about the other MSO's that carry MSG HD and MSG + HD. The only thing you have is ONE BILL with Verizon Wireless, but no programming of my needs at this time.

Eric, can we please get an update about the process as it stands at the FCC, when will they hear and make a judgment on this issue? Any details would be welcome to a current FIOS customer who is very tired of waiting for this issue to be resolved. I understand the position that Verizon is in, and would be loathe to give Cablevision any of my business, but really need my MSG sports in HD as I have invested alot in HD TV's and they go to waste with your service!!!

I'm really fed up with my current cable provider Comcast but the only thing keeping me from switching to FiOS is the fact that I can't get any of the MSG channels in HD. More than half of my TV watching consists of Devils telecasts and to not have the option to watch it in HD is a deal breaker. The second its available on FiOS I'll be a happy person.

Forget Folks! It ain't gonna happen! Verizon will never get MSG-HD. All of your complaining is fallen on deaf ears. Poor Eric has to take all the heat . Cablevision will not let it happen. And there is NOTHING VERIZON CAN DO ABOUT IT!!! The FCC does nothing but drag it's feet on these matters. Very sad, I really want to switch to fios but I need my MSG-HD COMCRAP

Alex,
Cablevision owns MSG and under the Cable Act’s program access rules Cablevision must provide that programming to Verizon. When Verizon filed a complaint in 2006 with the FCC, Cablevision agreed to provide the SD version of MSG but refuse to provide it in HD. Since Cablevision routes the HD format over fiber, they claim it’s not the same programming as the SD format so they don’t need to offer our customers the HD version so we’ve gone back to the FCC regarding this issue.

Really this is BS! The msg on fios is horrendous! I can get a better picture with rabbit ear antenna.I watch every Rangers game and want to see it in hd. I cant get center ice to watch rangers games because of local blackouts. Can we get an update on this subject, because im going to watch rangers in hd next season weather its on fios or now. i could care less about any other programming. i would drop Verizon in a second to watch msg hd during the hockey season, and i know there are alot of people who feel the same way. The msg quality is beyond horrific. If i can find more adjectives for bad i will make another post...

I have DirecTV, and subscribe to the Center Ice package. When I bought my HD TV, and upgraded my service, I assumed I'd be able to get the Rangers games in HD. Wrong! Now I know why. Yeah, the FCC needs to do something about this illegal practice!

Can we please get an update on this topic.

Re: "We will offer hockey in HD with NHL Center Ice and NHL Network, and we expect to launch these HD feeds very soon."

Is there any word on when Center Ice will have HD feeds (I get it for NHL network)? It is frustrating seeing the HD next to the game listing and seeing SD when I switch to the game. BTW, it is not only SD, it is miserable SD for the most part. This is not what I expected when I signed up and paid.

I am located in Northern NJ.

Any new updates on MSG HD? - dslreports.com - go to this site, it should be on the first page.

I think this will tell you to get MSG HD and MSG Plus HD on Verizon FIOS TV Systems in NY and NJ. 6 pages almost 7 is plenty. I think we have spoken and its time to get this on from the FCC , MSG Network, Cablevision Systems and Verizon to come to an agreement to get it to get started.

Billy Burgess
Staten Island NY 10309

Now that we have a new FCC Chairman, now maybe we can get MSG HD and MSG + HD on Verizon FIOS TV in NY City and Norhtern NJ, Central and Southern NJ ,since the Old FCC Chairman , Kevin Martin did nothing about it since the news July 25, "why Verizon doesnt offer MSG in HD " by Eric Rabe , Verizon and that everyone including my self wrote, emailed and called the FCC and got no where. So maybe with this one, well get somewhere and get it on. Kevin martin also specified while he was chairman that he was not to make Cablevision give the feed of MSG HD and MSG + HD feed to Verizon, so he basically was a loser, and that I read today that everyone is more than happy that he is now gone.
See what happens. Hope its soon.

This is the quotes from the multichannel news article "Cablevision also owns MSG, a regional sports network. Cablevision withholds the HD version of MSG from Verizon, Cablevision's cable competitor in the greater New York City region."

"Martin told reporters he has no plans to eliminate the legal exemption that allows Cablevision to restrict access to MSG's HD feed."

Billy Burgess
Staten Island NY 10309

Eric , Ok, Sorry for any mis wording / mis information. I hope FIOS does get MSG HD and MSG Plus HD , along with SI Local Programming, so I can go back to FIOS and have my ONE BILL with Verizon Wireless a 2nd time, but until that happens I am staying with TW Cable that offers MSG HD and MSG Plus HD. They don't have ONE BILL with Sprint or their own,and it don't look that they will.

Thanks
Billy

Billy,

This issue is part of an open proceeding at the FCC that will carry over to the new administration.

Eric

Lacaprup,

We will offer hockey in HD with NHL Center Ice and NHL Network, and we expect to launch these HD feeds very soon.

Eric

ESPN vs. Cablevision's Dolan At the FCC - 12/3/2008 6:30:00 PM - Multichannel News

Read the article , says on the bottom of the article, that Cablevision wont be forced by the FCC to have Verizon get MSG HD and MSG + HD.
Well I'm back with TW Cable , and have my MSG HD and MSG Plus HD + .

William Burgess

Billy,

Thanks for the update. I am closing on a new home as we speak, and I have to decide what I want. It is unfortunate, because in every respect Verizon FiOS is- by far and away- superior to any other TV, internet and phone service. Unfortunatly for me, until this nonsense is finished, Verizon will not broadcast any hockey games in HD.

Lacaprup : I got that from www.multichannel.com and youll have to search for the meeting. Copy and paste that heading I typed , it might come up. Anyway I went back to Time Warner to see the MSG HD and MSG + HD. Cablevison is not in my area, I am in Staten Island which serves Time Warner Cable. It was a meeting of getting the stations on Verizon, didnt really say if it will happen or not. Also got 200.00 from Time Warner for dropping FIOS and going back.

Billy,

Where did you find this news? Any timeframe? I'm getting very tired of not seeing Sabres' games in HD.

Cablevision Brass Gets Meeting With Martin - 10/22/2008 4:09:00 PM - Multichannel News it looks like it will happen, MSG HD and MSG + HD on Verizon.

according to an email from MSG Media, MSG Network it says that MSG HD and MSG + HD are not in the contract with Verizon FIOS, as MSG SD and MSG + SD is.

Billy

Frank,

From time to time, like other providers, we’ll have different offers in different markets. There’s really nothing unusual about that.

Eric

ocotber 28 , I am back at TW Cable. I will have MSG HD and MSG + HD. 8 days and counting.

When Verizon had the HD upgrade this summer I had Golf/Versus HD and it has since been removed. I'm being told (from Internet rumors) that once Golf and Versus split this December that I should receive Versus HD with my current package. I can wait until December if that is the case.

That being said I really need MSG in HD.

Why does NY need to subscribe to the sports package to get Vs / Golf HD when all over the country this channel is included in the extreme HD package?

Tim,

It appears from your question that you’re in New York, so you’ll need to subscribe to the Sports Package to get Versus/Golf HD.

Eric

In the next few weeks, I will be leaving Verizon FIOS for a return to Time Warner Cable. Reasons , many involved, I am just looking for finalization of ONE Bill for 4 services which I was hoping with Sprint Pivot and TW Cable, but never happened in NYC. , and ended up not happening at all. Right now, I have the Verizon ONE Bill, but the FIOS TV is not doing much for me with no MSG HD, MSG + HD, which TW Cable has along with SNY HD and YES HD and Staten Island Programming, where I don't think TW Cable is not missing at any points. Verizon FIOS has yet to announce SI Programming and the programing is yet to be what is seen on FIOS. Another words, TWC has SI Programming "Covered" and probably don't think Verizon will. When I had Sprint , I had good coverage /service while waiting for PIVOT , last year. The SD on both Verizon and TW Cable is the same quality. People say the SD is great and others say different of FIOS SD Quality. The Internet is the same. Speed is not factor, its all a "Broadband High Speed Connection" and insiders say you don't need all that speed and Verizon FIOS Internet states Actual speeds vary. TW Cable Phone service bests Verizon, Using Verizon I have to dial or re dial 1 + area Code, dialing outside 718, where on TW Cable you don't have to dial 1 or re dial 1 to call out you area code, that's pretty cool. TW Cable also has all 4 RSN in HD (regional sport networks) , MSG HD, MSG + HD, SNY HD and YES HD, Verizon has SNY HD and YES HD. Yes Verizon does have better HD quality on its FIOS TV, but HD On TW Cable is just as good and TW Cable has the programming to go with it. Yes, Verizon doesn't compress HD, TW Cable does, but TW Cable is watchable HD , fares better than Verizon MSG SD and MSG + SD where I can see the same quality on TW Cable, where They have the HD Advantage. So it looks like with in the next 2 weeks I will be back at Time Warner Cable, with hopes of a 4 play Wireless , or something with Wireless from either TW Cable or Sprint on the Time Warner Cable Bill (ONE BILL). Time Warner Cable has Caller ID on TV, Verizon doesn't. Sprint / Time Warner Wireless XHOM will be in NYC in 2009. TW has a full back lit remote, Verizon doesn't. if I was in a Cablevision area, I would have Sprint bundled. I am not in CV, I am in TWC, Staten Island. Since July 25 when MSG HD and Verizon news public, there has been no progress either, and it will be 3 months in 2 weeks. When I signed up August 20 for Verizon, it was a evaluation , I did say that at the time that I will have a final decision in the months ahead. Thanks to all involved and I have to do what I have to do what's best for me.

Billy
Staten Island NY

This is unfair, if they give verizon the SD side of it, then they need to fork over the HD side as well, cause I just watched the Devils game last night, and the SD picture is worse than it was on cable on my HD TV

Not a surprise that Cablevision is not willing to fight fairly and let the consumer evaluate the differences between Verizon and Cablevision.
Their overall tactics and policies is what has hurt them over the years. For so long being the only game in town they got arrogant and they are having trouble re-adjusting to a competetitve environment.
I would love to watch hockey games in HD, but a hint to Cablevision, your effort to place an importance on News 12 was not enough to keep me, and I will suffer through this and not look back.

I'm surprised at the FCC. Cablevision doesn't surprise me at all. The rest of what I want to say regarding Cablevision isn't nice so I'm not going to say it.

What does FiOS have against Hockey fans? I have no MSGHD, MSG+HD, and no NHL Network but I was happy to see that I had Versus/Golf HD so I could at least watch SOME hockey games in HD this year. I go to check out the first game last night and I no longer have this channel in HD. What gives? Please see other discussion on forum below.

http://forums.verizon.com/vrzn/board/message?board.id=FiOS_TV_Entertainment&thread.id=396

Any updates on Verizon FIOS and MSG working out a deal anytime soon to televise the Ranger games in HD? Watching the games this past weekend with no MSG-HD in Prague was horrible!

Any info?
Thanks,
Rich

After reading , all NY Rangers games will be in HD this season. I am pretty sure that same goes for the devils, isles and knicks. So lets get MSG HD and MSG + HD on the map with Verizon FIOS in NYC , I really don't want a return to TW Cable unless its needed. Also FSN Pittsburgh and Verizon came to an agreement to carry FSN Pittsburgh HD , Pittsburgh Post Gazette. That should be ready by 2nd week of Ocotber, just in time for NHL well how about MSG HD and MSG + HD.

Thanks
Billy

Eric - Could not wait any longer. Switched back to Comcast last Friday for the sole reason of Verizon's lack of MSG HD. Get your best lawyers on this issue because I do not know how any real NY sports fan can tolerate standard definition MSG and MSG+.

I promise I'll be back when you sort this out.

When the hell are we gettin MSG HD ..I DONT want to watch the Knicks and Rangers on standard picture for the THIRD YEAR in a row. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. Verizon should do something about this quickly for their customers who are Rangers and Knick fans.

Does the MSG + HD network include the process of getting MSG HD on Verizon. I have been only hearing of MSG HD and not MSG + HD.

Thanks
Billy

Hey Eric Do you have an update on MSG HD and MSG + HD ? NHL starts Oct 10 and NBA is October 28/ . What is the update on the FCC and you and MSG Network?

Thanks

Rob,

Cablevision doesn’t own Spike, so it’s not part of the issue I blogged about here, but I don’t have any updates on availability.

Eric

I would like to have a MSG HD and Spike HD available on FIOS TV is as soon as possible. It is unfair that Cablevision is witholding these channels. Any idea when they will be come available?

As a potential FiOS subscriber I'm very proud to see that you guys are taking the appropriate steps in getting this situation handled properly. The fact that Cablevision denies the HD feed--which it sounds like they are required to offer--and then goes and advertises that they're the only ones in town to offer it is incredibly unethical. Word will continue to spread and get out about these shady practices.

I'm sure there are thousands of potential FiOS subscribers like myself who are waiting for the opportunity to have NYC sports in HD and are behind you, fighting the good fight.

I also appreciate the transparency you are providing regarding the matter and wish you luck. Please continue to keep us updated!

I love my Verizon FiOS, but I love my NHL too and it's a damn shame that Verizon FiOS doesn't carry the NHL Network!

Time Warner, Charter, Comcast, Cablevision and Cox all carry it, so why not you Verizon??? The NHL may not be as glorious as the NFL, but there are many many devoted NHL fans it the United States.

Do the right thing and broadcast the NHL Network Verizon FiOS!!!

It's like having a finger on that red button, ready to pull the trigger but having to wait for that last detail before launch...

That's how I feel with this MSG HD business. While NHL Center Ice and NHL Network would be nice, they're not deal-breakers for me. I'm saddled with Crime Warner right now and the amount of HD available to me is downright depressing.

But, seeing the Sabres in HD is THAT important to me. I'm so torn at pulling the trigger and hoping that I'll only miss a handful of games in HD before MSG HD gets flipped on, and holding out and keeping the TWC service so that my hockey-viewing experience does not suffer.

Eric, I sincerely thank you for keeping us informed and I trust that due diligence is being done to add the content we as customers are seeking. For what it's worth though, I'll be writing the FCC, MSG, and the Sabres, and what the heck, maybe even Chuck Schumer too. This needs to get done.

Pressuring the Cablevision and MSG Network and FCC, Don't they have a hint? , The hint is get MSG HD and MSG + HD on the Verizon FIOS TV System's . For 2 years , after the SD was signed on to Verizon carrying MSG and then FSN New York, (November 16, 2006). , Pressure has been mounting on the FCC , MSG Network and Cablevision to get the HD on Verizon, don't they think what customers are hinting at.

How is the MSG , MSG + delivered differently (Over Satellite) and MSG HD and MSG + HD is delivered Not over Satellite , but over Fiber according to Cablevision ). How is the SD and HD feeds on Time Warner Cable, DIRECTV , Comcast and Not Verizon? It really makes no sense

Eric
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6593665.html
Go to this, it hints that MSG HD could be on Verizon FIOS in the next few months, lets hope its on and lets hope its sooner.

Thanks
Billy

I know this is off topic and that I am not complaining, but did a deal with MSNBC and Cablevision get agreed on, I have MSNBC in Staten Island, Channel 103 and I do recall that MSNBC was to be only on during the Olympics and like MSG HD and MSG + HD, MSNBC is an CV Exclusive. The olympics are over for a week now. Will you provide a new update on when an agreement is reached for MSG HD and MSG Plus HD ? Knicks, Rangers, Islanders and Devils begin in a few months or less.

Billy Burgess
FIOS Customer

Eric

Thanks for your update,. Hope to hear some good news soon. And Note when I email MSG Network (msgnetpr@msgnetwork.com) for updates, they tell me to contact Verizon. I am waiting for the NHL and NBA Season to start, because I have to see how the SD Quality of MSG and MSG + in LIVE Events. Also waiting for Staten Island Local Programming as well as FIOS 1, (Channel 1) , AKA NY 1 on TW Cable. Currently Un Available is now displayed on the "Local Channels ". Who I did write /email to of the FCC was the Chairman and Commissioners.

Thanks
Billy

Billy
I don’t have anything more for you on the MSG issue at this poins. But we sure appreciate the support that Billy and a lot of others have offered.

Eric

I wrote and emailed the FCC as well. I also called the FCC and they said they don't deal with Cable Networks , only Broadcast. Why is that when it says here that Verizon has the FCC involved as it did in 2006 , and that the MSG SD and MSG + SD is on FIOS, it should automatically included MSG HD and MSG PLus HD. I also read last night on multichannel.com that Comcast and MASN (Mid Atlantic Sports Network ) is at odds with carriage too, and that Comcast has asked the FCC to intervene as well so I don't get where the FCC includes themselves with Broadcast and not Cable Networks, any suggestions ot ideas , any new news surfacing about the HD of MSG and MSG + on FIOS before September, NHL Pre season begins .

Thanks
Billy , FIOS TV Customer
Staten Island NY 10309

Just took the plunge and switched from TWC(NJ) to Fios.... I am hoping and begging that Verizon acquires the rights to MSG HD and MSG+ HD before hockey season starts... I already wrote to the FCC regarding this issue as Eric Rabe suggested, and I hope everyone else does too!

I have to say that this is a terrible business practice Cablvision is using here. I once had FIOS and had to terminate the service because there was no HD channels for MSG and Fox Sports New York, now MSG Plus. For people like me, this is the make or brake reason why I would go with a provider. I have DirecTV now and "Yes", they do have the HD channels for MSG and MSG Plus. I belive Cablevison claims they are the only ones to have it, not truthfull! As a paying customer I see no reason why they would not give it to other providers, they still make their money! They would get more viewership which would turn into higher ratings and ultimaltey more revenue for them, it's a no brainer!

I was hoping FIOS would bring me more choices in sports channels. When is MLB package going to be offered? Is there any chance of people outside of GA, AL, Ms being able to get Peachtree TV or SportsSouth so that we can follow the Atlanta Braves?

What is the difference between HD Extreme and the Premeir package. I noticed that several channels are missing between the two of there. Does Verizon have any plans to add them?

For people on Staten Island who have FIOS TV already, can you tell me how SD MSG and MSG Plus in SD is on FIOS ? Like give me a rundown on how it is before I get FIOS TV on Aug 20? Is it better than TW Cable ?

Thanks
Billy

Ken,

As I mentioned in my blog, you can send an e-mail or letter to the FCC to express your opinions about this issue. Just be sure to say that your comments relate to “MB Docket No. 07-198.” You can find contact information for the FCC at http://www.fcc.gov/contacts.html.

Eric

Hey Eric,

What are the odds MSGHD will be available on FIOS by the start of hockey season (October 4th). I love FIOS but I am also a die hard ranger fan and cannot stand to watch the rangers in standard definition on my 50" hd. I do not want to switch from FIOS, but if it is the only way for me to get MSGHD I might have no other choice. Can you weigh in the on the chance we'll have it by October, or at all ever?

Thomas : FSN NY HD is now MSG Plus HD. It was renamed in MArch 2008. I did read that the 2 MSG Networks SD are better than they are on Cable. Hope Verizon FIOS gets MSG HD and MSG Plus HD soon. I will see on August 20 the SD Quality of MSG and MSG Plus. Aug 20 is my installation.

Billy

Thomas,

Glad to hear that you’re enjoying FiOS TV. Like MSG in HD, Cablevision has not made FSN NY in HD available to Verizon.

Eric

I don't get the point of a cable company offering something exclusively, because in most cases, in most places, YOU DON'T GET TO CHOOSE YOUR CABLE COMPANY. If I live in Comcast territory (and I do), the only way for me to get MSG in HD is to MOVE?

How is this sort of crap allowed?

No surprise here. The minute I had the opportunity to dump the Dolans and get away from Cablevision...I did. I switched to DirecTV and now I am with FIOS. I love the picture and sound quality...the best. I'm glad Verizon added TBS HD for the MLB playoffs.

Does anyone have an idea when or if FSNY HD will be available for Islander games? Or is this the Dolans again playing games again?

Chuck,
One of our priorities is to deliver as much HD sports content as we can, but I can’t be more specific about Fox Sports Net Pittsburgh HD at this time.

Eric

Thanks, Eric.

I'll get an e-mail off with the hopes that the FCC will know that the public is paying attention to how they will decide this.

Dan,

We expect the FCC to continue its inquiry into program access rules over the next several months. You can send an e-mail or letter to the FCC to express your opinions about this issue. Just be sure to say that your comments relate to “MB Docket No. 07-198.” You can find contact information for the FCC at http://www.fcc.gov/contacts.html


Eric

Eric,

Re: Fox Sports Pittsburgh. Are you planning on carrying this channel in HD? I noticed that other markets you serve have their local Fox Sports affiliate in HD. Also, the cable competition (Comcast and Armstrong) carry it in HD already. That is why I was very surprised it was not included in the HD upgrade for Pittsburgh on 8/6. FYi - Several co-workers have mentioned they would not switch over to Fios TV until you carry it in HD.

Thanks for your time.

David,

My comments about MSG HD don’t apply to MLB Extra Innings.

Eric

Chuck,

My comments about MSG in HD don’t apply to Fox Sports Pittsburgh in HD. Regarding PolicyBlog – it’s undergoing some long overdue upgrades, and speed and uptime should improve dramatically when they are done.

Chris, Tim, Chet and Frank,

Thanks for your comments. We expect the FCC to continue its inquiry into program access rules over the next several months. You can send an e-mail or letter to the FCC to express your opinions about this issue. Just be sure to say that your comments relate to “MB Docket No. 07-198.” You can find contact information for the FCC at http://www.fcc.gov/contacts.html

Eric

Thanks for the information, Eric.

Hopefully the FCC will rule in a timely fashion (not satellite radio merger pace) that Cablevision has to make all formats of MSG available.

Would writing our elected officials help?

Thanks,
Dan

Thank you for addressing this in the Verizon blog and keeping NY sports customers in the loop. Many of us expected it was the strong arm tactics of Cablevision. It begs the question, "Why offer it to DirecTV, but not to Verizon?" Simply put, they are getting beat and losing customers hand over fist. There are many people who won't switch if it means losing their Islanders, Rangers, Knicks and Devils in HD. I just happen to have DirecTV for football,so I'm able to pick up those games in HD. Not only should the FCC instruct Cablevision to allow Verizon to pick up these channels, they should also be fined for clearly violating the directive handed out. Enough is enough. By the way, I'd be happy to be the first to sign a petition asking the FCC to instruct Cablevision to offer up MSGHD, FSNYHD to Verizon.

Is there a timeline for when this could happen?

Keep us updated.

Hope you have success with the FCC. Cablevision is clearly in the wrong on this one. On another note, when can we expect the NHL Network on FiOS? And Center Ice as well?

Eric,

Is that the same reason that you do not carry Fox Sports Pittsburgh in HD? I was hoping to see this channel added with the new updates scheduled for 8/6 for Pittsburgh. It is not there. Are they playing the same kind of hardball?

FYI - Have your tech guys look at this website. It frequently loads slow and sometimes I will have to refresh because of some error.

Thank you for shedding some light on this. Is there anything we as consumers can do to help stop them from doing this? Who can we call or write to? I really want the FCC to stop them from doing this before the start of the NHL season!

Eric - is this a variation of the same issue that is keeping MLB extra innings off Verizon? We are being pressured by DirecTV to upgrade to their new dish/HD format. I would prefer to use this opportunity to switch to Fios TV (we already have it for phone and Internet), but until I can get the Red Sox from Verizon, I will have to stay with DTV.

VZ should then really carry an "HD Version" of MSNBC, supplied by fiber, to CableVision areas, claiming "it is somehow not the same “programming” as the standard definition format delivered using satellites" ...... Even if it's just upconverted, until they launch an actual HD MSNBC ...

Eric,

That is just an awesome post! It is so nice to see Verizon really standing up to the pettiness of the Dolans. It is obvious that they do not want the Knick and Ranger fans who are in the Cablevision market to switch to Fios and they are trying to hold them hostage via MSG-HD.

Is there anyone in particular that Fios customers (FiosFans?!...lol) can write to at the FCC about this situation?

Looking forward to my install on the 20th!

This practice is hurting Verizon and keeping customers away. I'm living proof. FiOS TV is coming to West Seneca. According to most reports my home (new build in WS) should be eligible by late September/October. However, without MSG HD I can't make the jump from DirecTV to Verizon. Quite frankly I'm a huge Sabres fan. Having their games in HD is critical from my perspective. I cannot justify a move that will cause me to lose my main programming interest during the months of October through (hopefully) May.

I think I may have to bite the bullet and re-up with DirecTV for two more years (contract renews with moving installation). If things change withing the next couple of months (I was planning to get Time Warner temporarily until FiOS TV is ready to go) I'll gladly jump on board. Either way, I hope Cablevision burns for this...

This is good news. I am a Rangers fan and would love to watch the Rangers in HD on Fios. Cablevision is a monopoly. Period. They own the sports team, the building they play in, the channel they are broadcasted on, and the system that has the channel.

I hope that Verizon has been pursuing this for a while. Can we expect an outcome from the FCC anytime soon on this?? I would love to have this by the time Hickey season starts.